

A 



.1 



THIS LITTLE BROCHURE IS 
DEDICATED TO 

COL. HENRY C. LOOMIS 

BY HIS NEXT BEST FRIEND, 

O. H COULTER. 



IN TRODUOTIOK. 

W 1)CI1 the records of the Grand Arnry of the Republic 
shall have been closed andtuture historians write of the ach- 
ievements of men who have taken a leading and active part 
in maintaining and promoting the best interests of the or- 
ganization, the name ol Colonel Henry C. Loomis will stand 
prominent among the great leaders of the grandest organiza- 
tion on earth. He is a native born, and a patriotic American 
of the best type, with sympathies broad enough to include 
the whole world, esteemed by his fellow citizens and beloved 
by all who know him. He came of that sturdy New England 
stock in whose veins the blood of the Puritan flows. Born 
at Loomis Corners, town of Otto, Cattaraugus County, 
New York, March 16th, 1834. 

He entered the service as a member of Company C, 64-th 
New York, November 1861, and was elected First Lieuten- 
ant. He was severely wounded while leading his company 
at Fair Oaks, Virginia, June 1st, 1862. He assisted in re- 
cruiting the 154-th New York and was commissioned its 
Lieutenant Colonel September 25th, 1862. 

He is a charter member of Post 85, Winfield, Kansas, Post 
Commander 1901, and Department Commander 1902. He 
is a member of Kansas Commandery of the Loyal Legion, 
and its present Junior Vice Commander. 

Became to Kansas in IS 71, settled at Winfield, where 
he still resides. He was the first county clerk ot Cowley 
county and twice Mayor of Winfield. 

He has been a Master Alason for over forty years. He 
joined Lodge 239 at Little Valley, New York, in 1862, while 
at home on a leave of absence Irom the army nursing his 
wounds. Charter member of Winfield Lodge No. 58, A. F.& 
\. M., High Priest ot Winfield Chapter No. 31, Royal Arch 
Masons, and Eminent Commander of Winfield Commandery 
No. 15, K. T. for six years. lie received the Royal and Se- 
lect Master degrees in 1895, and is a life member of the Isis 
Temple Mystic Shrine, also of the Eastern Star, and a past 
Worthy Patron. He was coronated a 33rd degree inspector 
general honorary in 1893; also a member of the Loyal Order 
of Scotland. He has passed the several chairs in the Grand 
Lodge of Kansas and was Grand Master in 1900. 

The above sketch is given as a preface to the matter 
contained on the following pages copied from the Western 
Veteran of Feb., 1904. This little brochure is printed as a 
slight compliment to a worthy Comrade by his next best 
friend. The closer and more carefully we have examined into 
the motives animating his every action, the nobler he has 
appeared; generous to a fault, kind hearted and true in his 
friendships and without a thread of malice in his nature. 



COL. H. C. LOOMIS 

AS COMMANDER OF THE DEPARTMENT 
OF KANSAS 

Made a Record for Which He Deserves and is 

Receiving Commendation From His 

Comrades Everywhere, 



T\ r> Department of Kansas, Grand 
(jJL ^ Army of the Republic, since 
its organization has had its years of pros- 
perity and of adversity. Its successes, like 
that of all other departments, has depend- 
ed largely, and we might say wholly, upon 
those at its head as Commanders. Kansas 
has had a number of commanders who 
have been and are an honor to the organ- 
ization. They did well their part; built up 
the organization in membership, in enthu- 
siasm and cemented more closely the bonds 
of "Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty." 
Without disparagement to any of these 
comrades, we are prompted by the record 
left by Past Department Commander, 
H. C. Loomis, to say that his year's ser- 
vices to the Department of Kansas, Grand 
Army of the Republic, for the good of the 
Order and the state as well, has not been 
excelled by any of his predecessors. 

Taking command at a time when the 
membership was falling off and the organi- 
zation in a greatly disrupted condition, he 
restored harmony and renewed activity in 
the various Posts to that extent that when 
his year's labors were ended, the records 
showed not a delincment Post, and an in- 



crease in membership, with the best of feel- 
ing prevailing throughout the entire de- 
partment. To accomplish this, Colonel 
Loomis not only devoted his entire time 
but spent liberally of his means. Hundreds 
of personal letters and thousands of cir- 
culars and printed documents were sent to 
Posts and to individuals to encourage' and 
stimulate Post work and bring dropped 
and suspended members back into theOrder. 
The movement to bring about the great 
semi-Centennial celebration which is to be 
heM here at the State Capital the last of 
May this year, was started by Col. Loomis. 

The greatest display ever made at any 
National Encampment by any department 
was that at Washington made by Kansas 
under Col. Loomis. Kansas was the fea- 
ture of the great parade, led by Colonel 
Loomis accompanied by twenty-eight 
staff officers superbly mounted, three Kan- 
sas bands and the celebrated Modoc Club 
and eight hundred men in line each carry- 
ing a sunflower umbrella; a sight that was 
never equalled and will never be seen again. 
This all took money and lots of it, and 
Loomis footed the big end of the bill. 
These results were obtained because the 
comrade's heart was in the work; because 
he loved the organization and the men that 
composed it. His ambition was to further 
its interests and build it up not only in 
membership but in the esteem and affection 
of the people of the commonwealth. His 
effort was not a selfish one; he seeks no 
political preferment. What he has done 
has been for the good of his comrades. 

The final work of his year was completed 
when he delivered to Department Head- 
quarters the printed journal containing 
the record of his administration as Com- 



mander. This document is said to be the 
finest, most complete, and best ever pub- 
lished by any department commander. In 
addition to the matter usually contained 
in a department journal, Colonel Loomis 
at his own expense, embellished the cover 
with a splendid portrait of the founder of 
the Order, B. F. Stephenson; also within 
its pages the portraits of nine past depart- 
ment commanders whose pictures have 
never before appeared in a journal; pictures 
of several soldier monuments; two past 
national commanders who were in office 
during his term; national presidents of the 
Woman's Relief Corps and Ladies of the 
G.A.R. who visited the Department during 
his term of office, and other illustrations 
and department data that make this 
journal one of great value to the depart- 
ment. 

We cannot in the limited space of this 
publication reprint the columns of favor- 
able and flattering comment published in 
the press of the state and country of Col. 
Loomis' successful administration. On a 
recent visit to his home at Winfield, we 
were shown several hundred letters from 
comrades and friends who have been fav 
ored with copies of the Journal of the 22d 
Annual Encampment, and were permitted 
to make copies of a few of them, which we 
take great pleasure in presenting. These 
letters will not only give an idea of the 
splendidly prepared and handsomely print- 
ed journal, but will show how his excellent 
work for the Grand Army is appreciated 
by comrades who are interested in the 
success of the organization. 



Leavenworth, Kansas, 

Jan. 11, 1904. 
Dear Sir and Comrade: 

I have just received your report of 
the proceedings of the 22nd Annual En- 
campment, and will say it is the best I 
have seen, There seems 
to be nothing omitted 
or overlooked and it 
is certainly one of 
the best issued by any 
Department. The G. 
A. R.is passing rapidly 
to the last muster, and 
although the picture 
and portraits are all 
of the young men who 
wore the Blue, we are 
now wearing the "Gray," but to the hon- 
or of those who wear the gray. But the 
heart swells and tears unbidden] come in 
our eyes as we think of the voice that is 
still and miss the touch of the hand that 
is dead. 

The report is exceptionally good. There 
is nothing omitted and in makeup and 
printing it is admirable, and will be appre- 
ciated and valued by all. We fully appre- 
ciate the labor of puttiug up such a report 
and it is complimentary, not only to your- 
self, but a credit to the "soldier state." 

I am suffering from the service in that 
great struggle that commenced in front of 
the "Capitol" and ended in my adopted 
state of Kansas, where I will have the sat- 
isfaction of ending my days, and will sleep 
in peace in the National Cemetery at Fort 
Leavenworth (by request) where the guns 
will always "boom" but will not disturb 
my rest. Yours fraternally while life lasts, 
J. C. Walkinshaw, 
Past Department Commander 



Los Angeles, Cal. Jan. 19, 1904. 
Dear Comrade: 

It is with no little pleasure I reeeived 
a few days ago a copy of the journal of the 
22nd Annual Encampment of the Kansas 
G. A. R. The book is more elegantly got- 
ten up than any former issue of any of 
your predecessors, and certainly will al- 
ways be a credit to the author. The illus- 
trations are especially good, and I must 
thank]you'personally for the inserting of 
my own likeness, when there were so many 
others who have always made Kansas their 
home. I want to assure you, however, 
that while I thought it best to remove to 
this more mild climate on the coast, yet 
in all your acquaintancer and comrades 
you have not a friend who is more loyal to 
Kansas and all that appertains to her 
good name, than he who pens these lines. 
I hold my membership in Post 63 of Abi- 
lene, Kansas, and have never had a thought 
of changing. I meet the comrades at Na- 
tional Encampments and march with them, 
sit with them in the Encampment, vote 
with them, visit with them and always 
enjoy it. 

The matter and makeup of your journal 

is especially good, and 1/ flatter myself I 

am somewhat of a judge, having^ been a 

publisher for twenty \ years. All of your 

Kansas comrades ought to feel especially 

proud. of such a production and not forget 

him who gave them this splendid piece of 

work. And now, my dear comrade, with 

the expressed wish that [ you may have 

length of days, spent in peace, prosperity 

and happiness, I am, 

Very sincerely your friend in'F.'C. and L. 

C.'J. McDivitt, 

Past Department Commander. 




Topeka, Kansas, Jan. 29, 1904-* 
My Dear Colonel: 

I am simply delighted with the pub- 
lished proceedings of the 22nd annual 
encampment of the De- 
partment of Kansas, 
Grand Army of the Re- 
public. Nothing of the 
kind has ever been at- 
tempted before and you 
have set a mighty lively 
pace for your successors. 
The handsome cut of 
Comrade Stephenson on the outside cover 
and the halftone cuts of the Past Depart- 
ment Commanders in the body of the book 
are not only splendid portraits but exhibit 
the highest stjde of the printer's art. When 
I was Department Commander we were a 
little old fashioned and the fellows only 
knew me by my whiskers. I am glad that 
times have changed and that your likeness 
will always be in my library. The publica- 
tion reflects great credit on the Grand 
Army of the Republic and your very 
efficient administration. 

Yours in F. C. and L. 
T. J. Anderson, 
Past Department Commander. 
* * 

Guthrie, Oklahoma, Jan. 17, 1904. 
Dear Comrade and Friend: 

I received from 3 r ou a few da\ r s ago 
the records of the proceedings of the De- 
partment of Kansas G. A. R. I do not 
know of airything that could have been 
sent to me that would have given me more 
pleasure. It is the record of the proceed- 
ings of that bcdy of patriots who con- 
ferred upon me the highest honor that I 



will ever attain and bequeath to my chil- 
dren. Henry, you don't know how I love 
those dear old battle scarred veterans, and 
I can't tell you with words. 

The book is an artistic gem in the way 
it hBs been published, and was never equal- 
led by any department in the Union, and 
has set a new pace that will be a record 
breaker for many years to come, in that 
kind ol work. It was very kind in you to 
put my old face in with many of my dear 
old friends, and I sincerely thank you for 
it. Give my love to all the boys aud tell 
them I am well and happy, and if they 
come to Guthrie that they must come and 
see me. I remain as ever yours, 

T. H. Soward, 
Past Department Commander. 

* 
Department of the Interior, 
Washington, Jan. 27, 1904-. 
My Dear Comrade: 

I have received from Comrade Coulter 
a copy of the journal of the 22nd Annual 
Encampment. It is simply excellent in 
every respect. Your administration as 
Department Commander has been of ex- 
ceptional merit. You have been untiring 
in your work in the interest of the com- 
rades. You have been selfsacrificing in a 
degree that should command the gratitude 
of the G. A. R. people of the state. You 
have been successful in so large a measure 
that your term of office will long be re- 
membered with the kindliest appreciation 
It is with sincere pleasure that I address 
you these words of commendation. I hope 
during the remainder of your life you will 
be permitted to enjoy the happiness and 
comforts you so richly deserve. 

Yours fraternally, Thos. Ryan. 




Minneapolis, Minn. 

Jan. 11, 1904. 
Dear Comrade Loomis: 

This morning's mail brought me a 
copy of the journal of the 22nd Annual 
Encampment of your 
department, and I at 
once suspended the regu- 
lar order of office duties 
to look it over. It is cer- 
tainly a fine journal. The 
mechanical work is un- 
surpassed, the illustra- 
tions are excellent, and 
the photographs of great interest and value 
I recognize with much satisfaction the 
picture of J. C. Walkinshaw of my old 
regiment, whom I have not seen for forty 
years. The badge is a beauty. You made 
a good commander and left a record that 
will be hard tomatch. I congratulate you 
and wish you many years of happiness. 
Fraternally yours, 

Ell Torrence, 
Past Commander-in-Chief. 



Topeka, Kans., Jan. 12, 1904. 
My Dear Comrade: 

I am in reeeipt of a magnificient cop} r 
of the journal of the 22nd Annual Encamp- 
ment, for which please accept nry sincere 
thanks. The Journal is well edited and 
artistically executed, and reflects great 
credit upon yourself and the department. 
I trust that you have set the pace for 
future department commanders. In this 
connection I desire to express my sincere 
congratulations to you for the able and 
dignified manner you so faithfully discharg- 
ed the duties of commander of the depart- 



ment. You devoted your time and your 

purse without stint, in the interests of our 

comrades during your administration. 

Fraternally, 

John Guthrie, 

Past Department Commander. 

* * 

* 

Wichita, Kans., Jan. 10, 1904. 
Dear Sir and Comrade: 

I must congratulate you on publish- 
ing the most perfect report ever sent out 
• •>_, in Kansas or any other 

^^»l stale in the Union, for that 
I matter. Your illustration 
■ ol B. F. Stephenson on the 
P" j ii^C '" MKm "title page is unique. And 
; wliv' in my memory I can see 
\ him as he was in 1866 
when I knew him, person- 
ally. I belonged to No. 7, one among the 
first posts organized by him in Indiana, 
and you cannot tell how I was pleased to 
see his picture on frontispiece. I think 
future department commanders of Kansas 
can take pattern after it and make the old 
comrades feel proud ol our state. All the 
boys of our post wish you a long and hap- 
py life. Wishing you success I remain, 
Yours in F. C. and L. 

J. M. Minick. 
* * 

* 

Buffalo, N. Y., Jan. 11, 1904. 
Dear Commander: 

1 am in receipt from Col. O. H. Coulter 
of a copy of the journal of the 22nd An- 
nual Encampment of your department 
and want to congratulate you on its ap- 
pearance and makenp. It certainly is fine 
and I shall take pleasure in reading it all 
through. Fraternally yours, 

C. A. Orr, 
Past Dept. Commander, N.Y. G.A.R. 




Le Sueur, Minn., Jan. 27, 1904. 
Dear Sir: 

I want to acknowledge to }-ou per- 
sonally for the receipt of your most excel- 
lent Journal. I have enjoyed reading its 
every page, for each one is full of that true 
spirit of patriotism that characterizes 
every portion of your 
beloved department. Allow 
me to refer to your report- 
it is replete with most 
interesting facts, it could 
not be better. The illus- 
trations are fine; the one 
of the parade brings to 
mind that beautiful panorama of the mov- 
ing garden of "Sunflowers" transplanted 
from their beautiful western home and 
planted, for the time being, in our National 
Capital. It was a lovely sight. I am so 
glad to have this picture. Also the other 
illustrations of the badge, the invitations 
and all are beautiful and so fitting to be 
in your journal. And last, but not least, 
I want to thank you for the high honor 
conferred upon our organization of women 
by placing the pictures of our leaders in 
your journal. 

We who were privileged, by the courtesy 
of our Commander-in-Chief, to be guests 
of the Department of Kansas, on our re- 
turn trip from California, will never forget 
our hearty welcome in your beautiful cap- 
ital city of Topeka. 

The frontispiece, bearing your picture, 
Col. Loomis, is indeed perfect. I think one 
of the finest engravings I have ever seen. 
And the beautiful embossed cover in gold 
bearing upon its face the picture of B. F. 
Stephenson, the founder of your beloved 



order, "The Grand Army of the Republic", 

is indeed most appropriate. I want to 

thank you most sincerely for the journal. 

I hope in a few days to be able to send you 

the journal of my Convention. 

I am most respectfully yours in F. C. L. 

Lodusky J. Taylor, 

Past Nat'l President W. R. C. 



Topeka, Kans., Dec. 21, 1903. 
Dear Sir and Comrade: 

Comrade Coulter presented me a 

§copy of the proceedings 
of the last department 
encampment. You are 
to be congratulated upon 
its appearanee and con- 
tents m every way. The 
unusual enterprise which 
has characterized its com- 
pilation is most worthy 
of you, and makes it at once an interesting 
and valuable addition to the choice litera- 
ture of the grandest body of men on earth. 
Believe me, Ever thine in F. C. and L. 
J. G. Wood. 

* * 

* 

Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 8, 1904. 
My Dear Sir and Comrade: 

I have this day received a copy of 
your report as Department Commander, 
and I most heartily thank you for your 
kindly remembrance of me, and congratu- 
late you upon its splendid appearance and 
contents. You have just cause to be proud 
of the book and the record it contains. 
Sincerely yours, W. F. Henry, 

Past Dept. Commander. 



Harrisburg, Pa., Jan. 12, 1904. 
My Dear Col. Loomis: 

I find pleasure in acknowledging the 
receipt of a copy of the proceedings of the 
22nd Annual Encampment of the Depart- 
ment of Kansas, G. A. R. The journal is a 
®most attractive and valu- 
able publication. I have 
looked it over with much 
interest. The plates 
therein are verv fine, and 
I was especially pleased to 
note plate showing the 
Department of Kansas in 
the parade at Washington, in October, 
1902. I appreciate the Journal very 
highly, by reason of the splendid engraving 
of yourself. The whole book reflects great 
credit upon those who compiled it, and 
you are entitled to great consideration for 
the personal assistance rendered in the 
furnishing of plates, and meeting of other 
expenses. With best wishes, I am 

Very fraternally yours, 
Thos. J. Stewart, 
Past Commander-in-Chief. 
* * 

Dodge City, Jan. 30, 1904. 
My Dear Colonel: 

On my return to Dodge City I found 
awaiting me a copy of the report of the 
Department of Kansas during your admin- 
istration, for which you will please accept 
my thanks. I wish to say that it is a most 
excellent report. It is artistically put up 
with many fine engravings and is a credit 
to you and your administration and will 
be looked upon for many years with pride 
by those who were a part of your official 
family as members of the G.A.R., and I 




desire to compliment you for the success of 
your many undertakings in the interests 
of our Order. Hoping that you may live 
to enjoy many happy years, I am, 

Yours in F. C. and L, 
D. L. Sweeney. 

* * 

* 

Washington, D. C, Jan. 12, 1904. 

Dear Comrade: 

I am in receipt of the proceedings of 

the Deparement of Kansas which you so 

kindly sent me, and I want 

to compliment you highly 

upon the typographical and 

artistic style of the work. 

It is unusually fine, and 

reflects great credit upon 

you and the Department 

1 of Kansas. 

Yours in F. C. and L. 

John McElroy, 

National Tribune. 



Enid, Oklahoma, Jan. 14, 1904. 
Dear General: 

I am in receipt of a copy of the pro- 
ceedings of the 22nd Annual Encampment. 
It is certainly the best gotten up report I 
have ever seen. You have done the Depart- 
ment "proud" by the pains-taking manner 
in which you have prepared it. The por- 
trait of Stevenson on the cover will preserve 
that cover in many a G.A.R. man's home. 
Your own portrait is without a flaw. I 
can almost imagine I am talking to you as 
I look at the picture. Hoping for you long 
life, happiness, and prosperity I am, 
Yours in F. C. L. 
D. W. Eastman, 
Past Department Commander, 




Versailles, Mo., Jan. 11, 1904. 
My Dear Friend and Comrade: 

I have just received from Col. Coulter 
a copy of the journal of the 22nd Annual 
Encampment. Permit 
me to thank you for the 
splendid manner in which 
you have presented the 
affairs of the department 
Very few comrades have 
the ability, and possess 
as well the generous heart 
to take such good care of the G. A. R. as 
you have done. I will prize always, very 
much this volume as well as the very pleas- 
ant acquaintance I have always had with 
you. Hoping the New Year will find you 
in good health and prosperous. 

Yours truly, 
J. K. Hudson, 
Past Junior Vice Commander. 

* * 

* 

Department ot Agriculture, 
Washiugton, D. C, Jan. IS, 1904. 
My Dear Colonel: 

I just received the proceeding of your 
22nd Annual Encampment held at Mc- 
pherson on May 21, 22, last, for which 
accept my many thanks. It is a very in- 
teresting document. I read }-our report 
with much interest; you certainly made a 
good showing; Smith will have to get a 
bustle on if he compares favorably with 
what you did for the good of the "old 
boys." I still hold my membership in Post 
68, Olathe. The old boys are fast passing 
away. I hope congress will pass a service 
pension act at this session, so that all now 
living may receive some recognition for 
faithful service in their country's defense. 
Yours fraternally, 

S. R. Burch, 



Ottawa, Kansas, Jan. 11, 1904 
Dear Comrade: 

I have a copy of the splendid report 
made by you, being the proceedings of your 
administration, for which please accept my 
sincere thanks. It is a gem. The Depart- 
ment of Kansas is indebted to you lor the 
work clone and the money spent by you in 
behalf of the Order. Wishing for you good 
health and many more years to enjoy your 
well earned honors, I am, 

Fraternally yours, 

John P. Harris, 
Past Department Commander. 

* * 

Department of Interior 
Bureau of Pensions. 
Washington, D. C, Jan. 11,1904. 
My Dear Mr. Loomis: 

I am pleased to receive a copy of the 
Department Journal with a most excellent 
portrait of yourself in it. I think during 
your administration you brought things 
up to a pretty high grade. I doubt if it 
will ever get so high again; I hope sd how- 
ever, and would be willing to do all I 
could to promote it. Yours truly, 

E. F. Ware. 



Headquarters Dept. of Missouri. 

St. Louis, Jan. 15, 1904. 
Deai Comrade: 

I desire to thank you for the copy of 
the journal of your 22nd Annual Encamp- 
ment, which I lately received, It is beau- 
tifully gotten up and does you and the de- 
partment of which you were last year the 
commander, great credit. 

Fraternally yours, Thos. B. Rogers, 
A. A. G. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

mm 

» W19 fl27 936 1 W 



012 027 936 



LIBRARV OF 



012 



"if 

012 027 936 1 





' 



